I was reading an interview with an author earlier, and I got to thinking… many of us bust our butts promoting, holding contests, doing chats, trying to sell our books. I think virtually all of us have a blog (although some like to gather dust… *coughs and glances at the dust bunnies on hers*). We talk about our books, our friends’ projects, the industry, and almost anything writing-related. But what about our non-writing lives?
Personally, I have more than one blog. I have Dust Bunny Central my writing blog, and I have a personal LiveJournal (it’s possible the two may end up combined due to fuckwittery on the part of new LJ ownership, but we’ll see) with a “this is my personal space, and if you don’t like reading about the following, you’re better off not reading it” disclaimer. I don’t hide that I’m a goth, bisexual, kinky, pagan, polyamorous, and sometimes a royal bitch. This is me, and I make no bones about that. 
I know that other writers aren’t nearly as comfortable being open about their personal lives. Some are afraid that if they let the “inner bitch” out, they’ll lose readers. Others are afraid of giving too much information for security reasons (which is a valid concern, as online and real life stalkers do exist). Still others think that it’s nobody’s business what their real life is like.
As a reader, I like glimpses into the real lives and personalities of authors I like. I’m an “anything goes” kind of girl. You want to talk about your personal sex life? OK, whatever. Your kids? Same deal. Pets? Aww! Kitten/puppy pics. 
I like to have an idea of the person behind the books, but maybe I’m just a weird fangirl that way.
Though, there have been at least two authors that I refuse to buy because they are consistently catty bitches who voice their opinions loudly in the most offensive way possible. I really don’t mind when writers share their personal opinions, but if you can’t do it without insulting everybody who disagrees with you, then you really should keep your mouth shut. Then again, those writers aren’t even talking about their personal lives – that’s just talking about writing!
Where do you fall on the spectrum? Do you like to share information about your personal life, or do you prefer to keep it separate from your writing life?
March 21st, 2008 at 2:14 pm
When I’m wearing my “fan” or “reader” hat, I like to find out that type of thing about celebrities or writers. It makes me feel like I’m connecting on a personal level with someone whose work I admire or have enjoyed. (Oh, Jamie Lee Curtis worries about what she packs in her kids’ lunches, too!) So, I like to share with my readers, too, even if I don’t think there are actually that many of them visiting my blog (yet!)
March 21st, 2008 at 2:15 pm
When I’m wearing my “fan” or “reader” hat, I like to find out that type of thing about celebrities or writers. It makes me feel like I’m connecting on a personal level with someone whose work I admire or have enjoyed. (Oh, Jamie Lee Curtis worries about what she packs in her kids’ lunches, too!) So, I like to share with my readers, too, even if I don’t think there are actually that many of them visiting my blog (yet!)